Colts: 3 players Carson Wentz will make better in 2021
By Jerry Trotta
1. TY Hilton
Full disclosure: we had a tough time deciding between TY Hilton and Michael Pittman Jr. for the top spot on this list.
However, we ultimately ended up giving the nod to Hilton because the four-time Pro Bowler was essentially a non-factor in the Colts’ passing game for the first half of 2020, whereas Pittman was a model of consistency following his return from leg surgery.
Though we understand Wentz has enjoyed throwing to big-bodied receivers more so than wideouts with Hilton’s slight frame, we simply can’t ignore how much Hilton flourished with Andrew Luck (who has similar intangibles to Wentz) as his quarterback.
Carson Wentz can help rejuvenate TY Hilton after an inconsistent 2020 with the Colts.
Shortly after the Wentz trade was finalized, Hilton couldn’t help but rave about the fifth-year quarterback’s ability to maneuver outside of the pocket, make throws on the run and sidestep incoming pass rushers as if they weren’t there. Is that not what Luck excelled at for six seasons before he retired prior to the 2019 season?
In fact, the last year Hilton caught passes from Luck (2018), he tallied 76 catches for 1,270 yards and six touchdowns in just 14 games. The former second-rounder also averaged 16.7 yards per reception and managed a career high with 90.7 receiving yards per game that year.
It’s duly noted that Hilton is a few years older and has more mileage on his legs, but his inconsistency last season wasn’t the result of regressed athleticism. The truth of the matter is that his skillset was never going to be accentuated by Rivers.
